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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment and lively events are featured at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Featured Events Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through April.  Here is the schedule: Friday, …

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The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association offers telescopes at Fox Observatory in Sunrise for peering into the night sky. Fox Observatory is in Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise 33326.  The facility is usually open Saturdays from about dusk until about 11 p.m, weather permitting, and representatives of South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association …

Read More about Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward

Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park in Hollywood – or TY Park, as it’s known – is popular for a variety of outdoor activities. South Floridians love it because it’s a great venue for walking, running or skating on a shady path around a lake lined with oaks. It’s a venue for occasional festivals and live  entertainment. T.Y. Park …

Read More about TY Park in Hollywood offers delightful walking, jogging & biking path with lake and oak trees

Enhance your entertainment repertoire with a free outdoor performance in the park featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Weston. The orchestra and vocalists in 2026 perform at 6:30 p.m. March 28, at the Amphitheater at 1900 Bell Tower Lane, Weston 33326. Some seats are provided. Feel free to bring your own. Sign up for the …

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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

Read More about Free live bands and vendors at Jazz Brunch on Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers free concerts and dancing outdoors in the city’s downtown area in winter and spring.  Friday Night Music Local bands perform Friday Night Music monthly in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The free music performances, weather permitting, are 7 to 10 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month in winter and spring.  Music events in 2026 will be: …

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For an entertaining evening out, Pembroke Pines is hosting Beats & Bites featuring favorite hits from different decades and food trucks.  Regional bands perform at the events and entry is free.  Beats & Bites events are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 2026, including: February 26: DJ Sama, ’80s and ’90s March 19 May 28 …

Read More about Beats & Bites in Pembroke Pines includes live bands & food trucks

See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the third Saturday of the month on Hollywood Boulevard and on Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment …

Read More about Free Hollywood ArtWalk offers art, vendors & entertainment

Decorative porcelain, pottery and glassware from local and international artists are on display at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts in Hollywood. Occasionally, WMODA offers free events.  Featured free event 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday February 21: Free entry day for Splash! exhibition showcasing glass and other art pieces related to the ocean.  The …

Read More about WMODA in Hollywood features glass and pottery exhibits

For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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